It was around this time last year, at San Diego Comic-Con in fact, we learned Neil Gaiman was planning to spin another tale of Morpheus, the dream lord, and the world of the Endless. This new Sandman series from Vertigo teams Gaiman with J.H. Williams III, and bring fans another chapter, an earlier chapter, in the life of Morpheus, before he’s ever captured. The Sandman: Overture is scheduled to begin releasing, bi-monthly, on October 30th. You better make sure you let your local comic shop know to include this one in your pull.

This is the one story that we never got to tell. In SANDMAN #1 Morpheus is captured somehow. Later on in the series, you learn he was returning from somewhere far, far away – but we never got to the story of what he was doing and what had happened. This is our chance to tell that story, and J.H. Williams III is drawing it. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world.

There won’t be a more buzzed about comic book this year, I guarantee it. Both Gaiman and Williams are comic book superstars, and their collaboration on this book will prove genius, I just know it. Though they aren’t the only creatives involved you should be excited about. Returning to create The Sandman‘s stunning and eye-catching covers is Dave McKean, who, along with Williams, will create covers for every issue of Overture. Both McKean’s and Williams’ covers will be released, and the books will be available both in print and digitally on the same day. There’ll also be a deluxe version, released bi-monthly and alternating with the original’s release, that will include original scripts, additional designs and sketches, plus a Q&A with the creative team beginning in November.

My face hurts I’m so excited for The Sandman: Overture! I can’t decide if I’ll be buying it digitally, in print, or both because this book’ll will be so freakin’ beautiful I’ll want it everywhere and every way. Gaiman, Williams, and McKean will also be attending SDCC this year and will appear during Vertigo’s 25th Anniversary panel. Expect more news about Overture in the weeks leading up to and at the con.

Hit the jump for the full press release and a look at McKean’s insanely awesome cover for The Sandman: Overture #1. Are you super excited for Overture? Adding it to your pull already?

This October, author Neil Gaiman returns to the realm of the Endless for an eagerly anticipated tale that will bring readers back to one of the most critically-acclaimed comic book series ever. THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE will unite Gaiman with visionary artist J.H. Williams III and reveal a previously untold story in THE SANDMAN mythos. The announcement was made today by Shelly Bond, Executive Editor of Vertigo, an imprint of DC Entertainment.

One of the most popular, groundbreaking, bestselling and award-winning comic books of the last twenty-five years, Gaiman’s THE SANDMAN stands tall as one of the few graphic novel series ever to be on the The NewYork Times Best Seller list and lauded by critics the world over for its transformative storytelling in the comic book industry.

On October 30th, Gaiman returns to his beloved universe for the first time in more than 10 years since ending the series. The story will explore Morpheus’ world before he was captured, which is bound to captivate the hearts and imaginations of the most loyal fans and new readers alike. Brought to life by renowned artist J.H. Williams III (BATWOMAN, PROMETHEA), THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE #1 will be an oversized issue and will showcase his talent with a spectacular interior gatefold.

“This is the one story that we never got to tell,” Gaiman told The New York Times today. “In SANDMAN #1 Morpheus is captured somehow. Later on in the series, you learn he was returning from somewhere far, far away – but we never got to the story of what he was doing and what had happened. This is our chance to tell that story, and J.H. Williams III is drawing it. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world.”

“Neil Gaiman returning to the lush, evocative world he created with Sandman is a literary event,” said Diane Nelson, DC Entertainment President. “We’re honored to have Neil back for a story only he and J.H. can tell. It’s a testament to the lasting power of Vertigo, Sandman and Neil’s amazing creativity. ”

THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE will be published bi-monthly with issue #1 arriving on October 30th, 2013. Each issue of THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE will feature stunning covers by Williams and original series cover artist Dave McKean and will be published on the same day digitally.

Also bi-monthly and alternating with the main OVERTURE series, Vertigo will publish THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE Special Edition. These deluxe issues will include original scripts by Gaiman, additional concept art and sketches by Williams, Q&As with the creative team and more, starting in November.

More details about the series – including artwork – will be revealed at this year’s Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013. Gaiman, Williams and McKean are special guests of the convention, during which Vertigo will host a 25th Anniversary all-star panel featuring Gaiman, Williams and artists Dave McKean and Sam Kieth. Gaiman will also be spotlighted at his own standalone panel. Additionally, the cover of the Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013 Souvenir Book features all-new Sandman art by Dave McKean, which will also be featured on an official convention T-Shirt.

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